hi guys,
I want to establish co2 setup. I'm bit confused about the things like solenoid valve, pressure guage, needle valve that all these are really essential or not, i wish to run co2 only for few hours a day. So it is necessary to use solenoid ?? Ordinary controller could replace solenoid ??? As my budget is very low so i am trying to minimize the expense by avoiding unnecessary things. Experts please guide !!!

Instead of manually opening the Regulator to set the required bubble count, you can attach a Solenoid to the regulator (in this case Regulator is OPEN always with the desired bubble count)

- when you Switch ON the Solenoid, the Co2 gets released by it.
- when you Switch OFF the Solenoid, the Co2 gets arrested by it.

Pressure Gauge - is part of the Regulator, which is attached to it. So its not a
separate component to be considered

Needle Value - is part of the Regulator again

So all together you need to have very good Co2 Regulator for your Co2 Cylinder.

Thanks,
Mohan

Mohan
As regulator alone is sufficient to control the flow (on-off/fast slow) so no need to attach solenoidsolenoid, isn't it ?
I have lpg lamp. Could i use it as co2 cylinder by detaching upper lamp section ??

You are risking yourself and your family by using the LPG tank for pressurized co2. Those tanks are not meant for pressurized gases.

You need proper pressurized CO2 cylinder.

These are the basic things required to set a pressurized CO2 setup.

> Cylinder. 2 or 5kg depending upon your budget.
> Regulator (Single stage or Dual stage). Single stage is far more sufficient
> Solenoid. Only if you need to switch off the CO2 during the night time.
> Needle Valve. To regulate the flow in terms of bps. As Mohan mentioned needle valve is not part of regulator. You need to separately purchase a needle valve.
> Bubble counter. Not mandatory. You can dip the co2 tube inside the tank, check and set the bps and then connect the diffuser to the outlet tube.
> Non-return valve. To make sure that the water does not enter the regulator.
> Diffuser. To diffuse CO2 to the tank.

You are risking yourself and your family by using the LPG tank for pressurized co2. Those tanks are not meant for pressurized gases.

You need proper pressurized CO2 cylinder.

These are the basic things required to set a pressurized CO2 setup.

> Cylinder. 2 or 5kg depending upon your budget.
> Regulator (Single stage or Dual stage). Single stage is far more sufficient
> Solenoid. Only if you need to switch off the CO2 during the night time.
> Needle Valve. To regulate the flow in terms of bps. As Mohan mentioned needle valve is not part of regulator. You need to separately purchase a needle valve.
> Bubble counter. Not mandatory. You can dip the co2 tube inside the tank, check and set the bps and then connect the diffuser to the outlet tube.
> Non-return valve. To make sure that the water does not enter the regulator.
> Diffuser. To diffuse CO2 to the tank.

Thanks shelly for preventing from doing silly mistake.
Could you please give the approx price for the equipments u mentioned.
Also give the address from which i could obtain same things cheaply.
Whether i can stop the CO2 at night without solenoid (by means of regulator only - manual operation)

The cost of manual ball valve with additional plug in type end connections together will not be low. You can find a solenoid valve with the thread connection that will match with the o/p of the gas regulator. Other side of the solenoid you can connect the quick release adapter for the tube with micro flow adjusting valve. in this way, the manual needle valve can also be eliminated.

If you plan to make the light switch ON/ OFF automatically using the timer, you can easily add the solenoid valve in the circuit. In this way the controlling will become completely automated and aligned with the photo period.

Initial cost for the automation using solenoid and timer board will be more, but since this hobby is like addiction , the investment pays off very quickly.

The cost of manual ball valve with additional plug in type end connections together will not be low. You can find a solenoid valve with the thread connection that will match with the o/p of the gas regulator. Other side of the solenoid you can connect the quick release adapter for the tube with micro flow adjusting valve. in this way, the manual needle valve can also be eliminated.

If you plan to make the light switch ON/ OFF automatically using the timer, you can easily add the solenoid valve in the circuit. In this way the controlling will become completely automated and aligned with the photo period.

Initial cost for the automation using solenoid and timer board will be more, but since this hobby is like addiction , the investment pays off very quickly.

I beg to Differ, the Ball valve costs about 140 and the end connectors 27 each. so you can DIY the CO2 setup. with Ball valve.

The cost of manual ball valve with additional plug in type end connections together will not be low. You can find a solenoid valve with the thread connection that will match with the o/p of the gas regulator. Other side of the solenoid you can connect the quick release adapter for the tube with micro flow adjusting valve. in this way, the manual needle valve can also be eliminated.

If you plan to make the light switch ON/ OFF automatically using the timer, you can easily add the solenoid valve in the circuit. In this way the controlling will become completely automated and aligned with the photo period.

Initial cost for the automation using solenoid and timer board will be more, but since this hobby is like addiction , the investment pays off very quickly.

The cost of manual ball valve with additional plug in type end connections together will not be low. You can find a solenoid valve with the thread connection that will match with the o/p of the gas regulator. Other side of the solenoid you can connect the quick release adapter for the tube with micro flow adjusting valve. in this way, the manual needle valve can also be eliminated.

If you plan to make the light switch ON/ OFF automatically using the timer, you can easily add the solenoid valve in the circuit. In this way the controlling will become completely automated and aligned with the photo period.

Initial cost for the automation using solenoid and timer board will be more, but since this hobby is like addiction , the investment pays off very quickly.

I beg to Differ, the Ball valve costs about 140 and the end connectors 27 each. so you can DIY the CO2 setup. with Ball valve.

Thank to both. Right now i'm not economically capable to install pressurized co2 setup. I was failed to produce co2 effectively and long lasting during my first attempt ( i think it was due to ready made packed yeast in granular form which might be expired). But this time i have used Baker's yeast n mixture producing co2 with good flow rate The hope are increased about planted tank.
I have query, why co2 setup are kept at lower level with respect to tank ?? Is there any logic behind this ? Should i keep the DIY co2 bottle in slightly upper level with reference to tank ? So that the need of check valve will be eliminated. Also i wish to diffuse co2 through internal an internal filter, so it won't need a separate diffuser.
Please comment briefly.

In Mumbai the solenoid is available @ 300 Rs, Plus you can eliminate the manual brass valve by using the tube adapter come micro flow regulator at outlet of Solenoid valve. This can become a more compact solution so, the long tubing can also be avoided.

IMO this just another solution. The decision can differ based on preference.

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